Cafu vs Careca: Stats Compared
Right-Back, Brazil (born 1970, retired 2008) · Striker, Brazil (born 1960, retired 1994)
Cafu versus Careca is a clash of two unmistakable footballing identities. Comparing across positions is never straightforward, and these two asked different questions of opponents. The raw numbers read 53 goals in 856 outings for Cafu (0.06/game), versus 300 in 600 for Careca (0.50/game). Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Cafu is listed at 0 and Careca at 30 where figures survive. Cafu departs the game with 9 major pieces of silverware, including 2× FIFA World Cup (1994, 2002); Careca with 4, including 2× Serie A (1987, 1990). The right-back duties of Cafu leaned resolute; the striker responsibilities of Careca leaned mercurial. Club journeys add another layer, with Cafu reaching his representative peak around 2002 across São Paulo, Roma, Milan and Careca doing so around 1988 with Guarani, São Paulo, Napoli, Kashima Antlers. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
159 words · comparison angle: role
Player profiles
Marcos Evangelista de Morais (born 7 June 1970), known as Cafu, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a right-back. Widely regarded as one of the greatest full-backs of all time, he was known for his pace and energetic attacking runs along the right flank. He is the most-capped player for the Brazil national team with 142 appearances.
“A relentless full-back whose running power and crossing made the flank a second engine.”
Diego Maradona's strike partner at Napoli, Careca formed one of Serie A's most feared attacking duos, helping the club to its first two Scudetti.
“A sharp, technically excellent striker whose close combination play and clinical finishing perfectly complemented a more individualist strike partner.”
Head-to-head stats
Career goals by season
Representative career seasons — goals per season for each player across their documented clubs.
Attribute radar
Attribute ratings are peak-era, 0–100. Different positions naturally skew the profile.
Attribute comparison
Trophy breakdown
- 2× FIFA World Cup (1994, 2002)
- 2× Serie A (1987, 1990)
- 1× UEFA Cup (1989)
- 1× Coppa Italia (1987)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1994 Established himself at São Paulo
- 1998 Reached his defining peak
- 2002 Delivered a landmark season
- 2008 Retired from professional football
- 1978 Professional debut for Guarani
- 1987 Won Serie A with São Paulo
- 1987 Won Coppa Italia with São Paulo
- 1988 Reached the peak of his powers at Napoli
- 1994 Retired after a final spell at Kashima Antlers
- Finished his career with 300 goals in 600 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 300 goals in 600 appearances and 4 major honours.
The verdict
Weighing production against honours, Cafu takes the verdict — a decisive margin, driven by a weightier trophy cabinet.
Cafu edges it (a decisive margin)
